Know Your Protein: Which Protein Powder Options Are There?

Sometimes in life options are a good thing, and the same can be said for protein powder. But how do you know which one is best? Obviously, flavor is a key factor for many, including myself. After all, who wants to purchase a five-pound tub of something that tastes like chalk? Then there are factors like results or what a product is made of that can influence your decision making when choosing the best option to suit your needs.

While it’s true that we can get vitamins and minerals from the foods that we eat each day, for those of us that maintain an active lifestyle it’s good to weave more protein into our diet when/where we can. Protein is made of amino acids and is often referred to in the context of muscle repair. Thankfully for us in this modern age, protein powder is a simple solution for us to get what we need, which is greatly beneficial to those of us who are constantly on the go.

We’ve broken down a list of your most commonly used protein powder options so you can determine which one is best for you:

Vegan Options

Soy Protein

Made from protein-enriched soybeans, soy protein is a popular choice for those looking to avoid dairy in their protein powder. Soy protein is rich in nutrients and researchers suggest that it offers an adequate amount of protein despite its vegetarian state.

For those looking to avoid extra soy in their daily diet, other vegan options for protein powder include rice, hemp, pea, and mixed plant protein.

Both chock-full of protein, isolate protein goes a step further by flushing out more of the non-protein particles, i.e. carbohydrates and fats, during the manufacturing process. Although the isolate form contains a higher level of protein, both forms are virtually identical in terms of amino acids.

“Casein is known as a time-release protein because it has a slower absorption rate in the gut, meaning it releases smaller amounts of amino acids over a longer period of time. It provides the necessary amino acids for repair and is especially effective for muscle growth. Because it releases amino acids slowly, many people take casein before bed.”

Again, this is not the best option for lactose intolerant, vegans, or keto/paleo followers.